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Category Archives: authors

A lot can change in two years….or can it?
It’s taken two years, but Rick Jenkins has finally gotten over Aphrodite’s betrayal and ready to live again. His professional life continues to blossom, but his personal life is more fractured than a jigsaw puzzle. At the urging of his boys, he decides to try the dating thing again, but isn’t sure he can trust again…

Reggie Young, AKA Smooth can have his choice of any woman that he wants – and does on a regular basis. Well known as a big womanizer, Smooth is taking advantage of all that stardom provides. One night at the club, Mystery enters into his world and he can’t seem to figure out her identity. When he finally meets up with her, what he thought was a one night stand turns into much more than he ever bargained for…
Essence “Candy” Taylor is owner of Classy and Sassy Hair Salon, the hottest spot in all of Atlanta. She has styled the hair of the some of the biggest stars nationwide. Candy has a major breakthrough with being able to market her product at the grand Bronner Brothers Hair Show. While doing this, in blows a breath of fresh air named Rick that is making her smile again.

The more things change, the more they stay the same. In Corey J. Barnes’ sequel to the sizzling debut novel What Is This Love Thing All About, he examines if time really does cure all. Can you ever really stop loving someone once you have done so? Can you move on from hurt and love again? All of these questions and more will be answered in the next installment from Author Corey J. Barnes, Single for the Night.

Interview with Corey:

What is your Education background?

I attended and graduated from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fl. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Education, specializing in Specific Learning Disabilities and Elementary Education from University of South Florida. I then obtained my Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Saint Leo University. I am currently working on my PhD in Adult Education and Instructional Leadership from Nova Southeastern University.

What’s your inspiration or who is?

My inspiration in all that I do is my son, CJ. He is the very best part of me and is the reason I wake up in the morning. He is my heartbeat and my motivation.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

When I was a child I had dreams of either being a pro football player or a lawyer. As you can see, neither one of them took place.

Did you ever think you’d ever become an author?

I never thought I would become an author. I love to read, but I didn’t think I would ever do it myself, even though it was one of my goals. It was one of those things where you think about something but know it will never be, but it has and it is very exciting.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It took me a total of 8 months to write my first book. I actually wrote the first character in 5 months, and went back and added in the 2nd, which took 3 more months.

When did you write your first book and how old were you?

I wrote my first book, What Is This Love Thing All About at the age of 32.

Whose writing do you admire most?

The author whose style I admire the most is Eric Jerome Dickey. I also enjoy Dwayne Joseph’s style.

Were you a good student in school?

I was actually a very good student in school.

Tell me about your revision process.

I usually read from the back to the front for corrections needed. Doing it this way makes the story pretty much gibberish and in that sense, I can just concentrate on making sure that sentence structure and things of that nature are correct.

Did you like school? What was your favorite subject?

I enjoyed school. I am a life long learner and look to continually improve myself. My favorite subject in school was English, which helped me with being an author and the next subject was Math. I hated Science but did it because I had to.

Corey J. Barnes is a long time native of Lakeland, Florida. Currently he resides there with his son Corey Jr. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership, and is currently working on his PhD in Instructional Leadership and Adult Education.
Becoming an author and also establishing the publishing company CJ Publishing has fulfilled a lifelong dream for Corey as he attempts to bring true romance and integrity back to urban fiction, from a male perspective, hence his In his debut novel What Is This Love Thing All About? Corey displays that chivalry is not dead and the thrill of the chase is still present in today’s world. Presently, Corey is working on his second novel. In addition to his work as a middle school administrator, Corey also coaches high school boys basketball and his son’s little league football team. When he is not writing, he enjoys spending time with his son and working out.

Let me tell you guys something, God gives you what you need right on time. The latest book I am reading is Love & Forgiveness. We all think we [know] how to LOVE but when it comes to FORGIVENESS sometimes [we] (meaning me) fall short. Well this book will guide you with Bible principles on Love & Forgiveness.

Take a sneak peek into the book & learn a little bit about the author then go out or order online this wonderful book.

About the Book

Love & Forgiveness is the first of a six volume pocket book series called the MeatyWord Series. Each volume of the series will focus on a very essential Biblical principle and its application in our daily lives.

In Love & Forgiveness, love and forgiveness are defined Biblically and then contrasted with worldly use. The book explores what love is, what love does, how love feels, the importance of repentance and forgiveness and the benefits of both.

The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness is essentially a Bible study of the principle concepts of love, repentance, and forgiveness. The book further explores the importance of communication and the oneness of giving and receiving. The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness is the first book of a Bible study series written by LaShawnda Jones, titled The MeatyWord. Stays tuned for more from this promising young author, but for now, learn more about her current work, The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness.

Q&A on The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness By LaShawnda Jones

Q. What led you to create this book now?

I’ve been studying the Bible for some time now. And I’ve been sharing my writings about my spiritual evolution for nearly four years. In my studies and my compositions, I’ve come to recognize that there is a lot of misinformation being spread about the gospel. Misinformation coupled with the waywardness of popular culture keeps us all headed in the wrong direction. The desire to write about foundational Biblical principles came into my heart and I decided to follow the prompting. I rely heavily on the Word of God and illustrate sparingly from my own experiences to paint as much of 365° picture of what God is expressing in His Word.

Q. Who should read this book and why?

My introduction in Love & Forgiveness is all about this question. I asked myself, “Am I writing to the people who love, or to the people who are loved? Am I addressing the repentant at heart, or the unrepentant? Should I focus on those who have forgiven, or those who have received forgiveness? Is this work ultimately for people who believe in God, His Son Jesus and His Holy Spirit, or for those who don’t believe at all?

The answer that came back to me was, “Everyone represents, has represented or will represent each of those characteristics at any given point of their life. This book is a tool to be used in working out love, repentance and forgiveness issues in human relationships through the examples God has provided. Those relationships could be with parents, siblings, spouses, other family members, friends, co-workers, neighbors or community members. There are many relationships during the course of our lives through which we have to navigate our way. Some of those relationships fail and die because one or both parties involved are unfamiliar with the process of love, repentance and forgiveness. This book is for them.

Q. What impact will this book have on the community?

I think this book will bring people closer to their true selves. It will encourage a personal honesty and transparency. When we are able to be more truly ourselves, we are able to be more present in our relationships. Better relationships improve our quality of life.

Q: What issues in today’s society have you addressed in the book?

Popular culture is covered briefly, primarily from the view of media and celebrity. In particular, there is a focus on idolization of people and things and how such behavior inadvertently condemns a person with the sin of idolatry.

Q: Who did you write this book for? Why?

At a very basic level, I wrote this book for myself…and for my husband (when he comes) and our relationship (when we begin building). I wrote this book to improve my life and my understanding of what’s required of me and my partner so we can successfully build, maintain and sustain a thriving and loving marital relationship.

Q: Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp and share?

We each have a responsibility to communicate where we are in our relationships. We are responsible for speaking of our hurts and our joys; of encouraging and correcting how we are being treated by others. We are as much responsible for showing love, repenting and offering forgiveness as we are for receiving love, accepting repentance and accepting and receiving forgiveness. The reciprocation creates a unity of oneness that’s difficult to separate within a relationship.

Q: What was the most powerful chapter or scene in the book for you?

Repentance. The section on repentance is the most powerful for me. I didn’t quite understand it or the importance and necessity for repentance until I studied to write about it. As a matter of fact, repentance was not part of my outline. I had only planned on writing about love and forgiveness (and how to communicate them), but the book didn’t come together until I added repentance.

Q: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?

It’s not mine to change. I realized early on that I am a vessel and I am quite awed by the message that has been delivered through me.

Q: What is the best piece of advice you would give to an aspiring author?

Q: Share with us your latest news, awards or upcoming book releases. Also share with us your online contact information.

The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness ($12.00USD)will be available on www.bn.com and www.amazon.com in early February 2011. My autobiographical devotional, My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey ($15.00USD) is currently available on www.bn.com and www.amazon.com. I maintain a blog at www.mygodandme.info/blog. Active subscribers are welcome! I am actively seeking events to participate in and invitations to read and discuss my book at your special function. I also facilitate self-esteem workshops, incorporating anecdotes from My God and Me.

About the Author

LaShawnda Jones is currently living and thriving in New York City. Her prior work includes an autobiographical devotional, My God and Me: Listening, Learning and Growing on My Journey and an autobiographical volume of poetry, Cliches: A Life in Verse. LaShawnda’s writing and publishing work ranges from poetry, to blogging, to designing an annual full-figured fashion calendar. She was a contributor to a daily political blog during the last presidential election and an anthology of letters addressed to First Lady Michelle Obama.

LaShawnda’s current work is a series of short books, focusing on foundational Biblical principles. The series is called the MeatyWord series. The first volume, The Process of Asking for, Receiving and Giving Love & Forgiveness, will be available January 2011.

LaShawnda’s life is an illustration of transition – constant movement and growth from one point to another. She is ecstatic about moving forward on her journey with the LORD. She continues to grow stronger in her faith, wiser in her knowledge and more loving to people as she seeks to mirror exactly the Christ in her.

ZEN COOPER is known for being, different, smart, a genius even. She also lives in a precarious situation, with a mother she adores but who she isn’t sure loves her. However, her faith, books, photography and guardian angel, named ‘Crazy Charlie’ are enough to keep her smiling. But, there is so much for her to know and discover and nothing and no one will be able to stop the child from becoming a woman, and the genius from feeling the pain life offers.

Zen Cooper: Woman-Child: Ghetto Genius offers a vivid, real glimpse into the life of a young, growing woman who pulses with courage and strength in the face of odds and though at times down, is never out.

My review:

Zen Cooper: Woman-Child: Ghetto Genius is a story that can be enjoyed by the family. It is a feel good story that doesn’t sugar-coat the struggles of life but uses positive actions to overcome them. The main character, Zen, literally leaps off the page at you. I sat many times thinking of my feelings as a 14-year-old and how I felt that no one understood. Now I know that there is nothing new going on just different dates and faces.

I highly recommend this book for any age group. The characters are well-developed and relate from the viewpoint of a parent and as a child. It also provides a positive image for our youth. I can hear the author’s voice saying, “It’s okay to be different” and I think youth of color need to hear more voices such as this.

This book will make a great book club read for adult and teenage book clubs. I think it can also be used as a teaching tool by educators to spark conversation about actions and consequences.Author Bio:

Angelia Vernon Menchan considers writing to be the elixir of her soul. Since learning penmanship at age four, most days have found her jotting down thoughts in a notebook. After decades of journal-keeping she decided to try her hand at writing and publishing books, from which was born her small publishing company, M.A.m.m. Productions through which she publishes her own books that she has coined, ‘Fictionalized Truths, Ageless Fiction and Ramblings.’

Folake Taylor is a board certified Internal Medicine Physician who resides in the suburbs of Atlanta GA with her husband and toddler. She was born in the United Kingdom to Nigerian born parents and was raised in both the UK and Nigeria before relocating to the United States to live the American dream. She hopes to spread a message of empowerment and reinforce family values.

1. Tell us about Folake Taylor?

I am a wife, a mother, an MD and now an author. I am an outpatient Internist in the suburbs of Atlanta and I love to interact with people and get involved with causes that make this world a better place to live for us all.

2. When did you decide you wanted to be an author?

I decided the day I started to write The Only Way is Up.

3. Where did you get the title?

It was from something I always say to myself when I need encouragement: “The only way is up!”

4. How did The Only Way is Up begin?

As I watched my husband and our daughter interact while on vacation, it reminded me of the relationship I had with my father and how much of who I am today can be attributed to a strong male figure in my life. It saddened me to remember how many around me do not have that nowadays. A Larry King Live special clinched the deal as they talked about women and self worth and how that may be the key to future success. I started to type on my Blackberry right there

5. Do you see writing as a career?

Yes, but presently as a secondary and not a primary as I love being an MD.

6. Who’s your favorite author and what do you love most about them and their work?

Barack Obama. His book “Dreams From My Father” changed my life. I love his confidence, his attitude to life and challenges, his resilience and his positivity.

7. How long did it take you to write this book?

It took five and a half months. The fist draft was done in one month however.

8. What’s next for Folake Taylor, the author?

I am almost done with my next book which is leaning towards ethnic chick lit. It is titled “Anonymous Gift Giver.”

9. What do you enjoy when not writing?

I love spending time with my husband and daughter as well as extended family and close friends. I love TV. I love social networking. I have friends I have never met that I feel connected to. Outdoors, I love water sports and theme parks though I have not done much of either recently.

10. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

My advice is to start writing. Read widely and write. Write daily. Read what you want to sound like to improve on your skills. Buy books on the art and craft of writing. Develop your unique style however as you need to sound like you at the end of the day. I pray God will bless your efforts. I never dreamt that I would be a writer or that my pet project so to speak, even before learning the industry, could receive any kind of attention or acceptance and for that I am very thankful. It can happen to you too!

Thank you for hosting me on my blog tour. I can be reached at my website http://www.theonlywayisup.net. My email address, facebook and twitter details, my blogs and everything else is on that website.

This book features the author’s experiences and views on pertinent life issues as an immigrant to the United States of America. The objective is to empower women. However, the greater part of the message is of relevance to a general audience. Some of the issues that are the focus of this book are:

I had the pleasure of reading Sheila Peele-Miller latest novel, Prey for the Wicked. I was really skeptically at first when reading the book summary but I’m really glad I decided to read the book.

I have posted my book review on Amazon but for your reading pleasure I am including my book review here:

Oh my this book is a very good read. A page turner. I finished reading it in two days (hours wise one day). I had to know what Janeen was getting herself into next & just how low down Adam was going to be to her, but nothing prepared me for what happened…..

Janeen Cooper was an only child loved dearly by her mother, but her mom did everything for Janeen from telling her what career to choose, what school to attend, and everything else. So when Janeen mom dies unexpectedly, Janeen is at a lost. She didn’t know how to pay bills, study by herself, or even motivate herself. Janeen was left to do the one thing her mom always warned her against, dealing with her Aunt May (her mom sister).

With no other choice, Janeen moves in with her evil aunt in Williamston, NC; but the bright side was the handsome much older guy, Adam Sinclair, Janeen met the day she moved to NC. Adam seemed like a dream come true. He wined and dined her, he took over where her mom left off. He told Janeen what to do and when to do it; she had no problem with that because she enjoyed how he showered her with presents & got her out of the house away from her evil aunt.

Janeen quickly learns that there is more to Adam than she ever thought. Life and actions catches up with Janeen and she attempts to lean on Adam for comfort & support; however, the man she thought she loved did not reciprocate. Due to the events that happened to her since moving to Williamston, Janeen is ordered out of town & never to return. Oh but this doesn’t happen as easily as packing and moving.

Janeen tries to start a new life in a different city, but again depression and despair sets in. Janeen encounters new events, situations, and people that could destroy her well-being. Finally Janeen decides to take control of her life, confront the people that have hurt her but with seeking closure Janeen unravels a mystery that could cause her her life & destroy the power that Adam Sinclair family has in Williamston.

Where innocent sleeps . . . Evil lurks!

—-

Get this book…suggest it as the BOM for your book club. You will not be disappointed.

Sheila Peele-Miller is visiting several sites around the net this week promoting her book. If you have missed any of the stops, please go & visit these sites & support Ms. Miller.

Sheila Peele-Miller

Author bio:

From short stories to poetry to novels, Sheila Peele-Miller is not afraid to follow her passion. Although an art major in college, she was drawn to creative writing. Using life around her as a foundation, she began to create what would later become her first novel, Painted Picture, released in 2004 and self-published under ADIRA Books, a company she founded. Miller’s sophomore novel, Daylight Coming was released in 2006. Her most recent book, Prey for the Wicked, was released September 2010.

In addition to her small collection of novels, Miller has created and designed a Memoir Writing Journal. She has contributed a short story, titled, The Devil’s Poison to The Shattered Glass Effect, an anthology depicting the effects of HIV/AIDS in the African American community and has written articles for Style-ology magazine. Her credited works are: Obama: A Time for Change and Child Maid Trafficking.

Miller hones her craft by teaching creative writing and publishing workshops anywhere possible. She has co-hosted an African American Read-In in Chicago and Detroit, and is the co-founder of the annual New Bern Literary Festival and Book Fair in New Bern, North Carolina. Miller lives in Chicago with her husband. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of two.

Michelle Stimpson is an author, a speaker, and an educator who received her Bachelor of Science degree from Jarvis Christian College in 1994. She earned a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2002. She has had the pleasure of teaching elementary, middle, and high school as well as training adults.

In addition to her work in the field of education, Michelle ministers through writing and public speaking. Her works include Boaz Brown, Breaking Bondage to Biscuits, Divas of Damascus Road (National Bestseller), The Good Stuff, Trouble In My Way, and the upcoming release, Last Temptation. She has written and published over 40 short stories through her educational publishing company at www.WeGottaRead.com. She also ministers to women through her online newsletter: www.womengrowinginchrist.com.

Michelle lives near Dallas with her husband and their two teenage children. She is active in the Creative Tyme Ministry at her home church, Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship. Visit Michelle online at www.michellestimpson.com.

About the Book

Patricia “Peaches” Miller finally has the man and the ring she always wanted, but she’s not quite ready to turn in her Independent-Woman-Card to follow her follow her future husband’s dreams. When her ex suddenly becomes re-interested in her, Peaches wonders if she owes it to her son to give his father one more chance. But this last temptation hurls Peaches down a dangerous road that tests her relationships, her faith, and even her sanity. Can sin ever have a silver lining?

You’ll love revisiting the main characters from Michelle’s highly acclaimed debut novel, Boaz Brown, in this long-awaited story of rebellion and redemption.

If you have read the book, please post your book review here or link to it if you have posted the review in another spot. We do encourage posting book reviews on Amazon.com and other online bookstores.

This week Author Nicole Rouse (www.nicolerouse.com) is releasing her third novel, Be Careful What You Pray For.

Follow the author around the net as she visits different blogs and internet radio shows this week for a chance to win an autograph copy of her latest novel, Be Careful What You Pray For.

Be careful what you pray for is an old adage, but one that Maya Richards comes to discover is more than just a cliché.

Third grade teacher Maya Richards has been with her soulmate, Kenneth Green, for over ten years. She never doubted that Kenneth would one day ask for her hand in marriage, but on the eve of their anniversary, Maya asks a question that Kenneth struggles to answer. When their relationship ends abruptly, Maya finds herself alone for the first time in thirteen years. She turns to her family and best friend to help her deal with her heartbreak, but is left to heal on her own.Instead of seeing this time as an opportunity to get closer to God, feeling lost, Maya begs God to send her a new mate. Impatient and desperate, Maya begins a relationship with gym teacher Lloyd Bradford despite the many warning signs. As she struggles to escape a dangerous situation, Maya learns that the relationship that matters most in life is the one that she has with Christ. Will Maya have the strength to break away from Lloyd’s tight reigns, or will she trust God and allow Him to restore peace in her life?

1. Follow my blog! +1
2. Tweet this giveaway with @cmbva in the message! +1 (only earns one entry)
3. Blog about this giveaway and leave the link for me! +3

4. Leave a comment on each blog post this week, including this one! +1 (for each entry)
5. Add up your total for me! +1

Easy, right? Don’t forget to leave a comment with your total number of entries and your email address!
Entries will be tallied and the winner will be drawn on Sunday October 31, 2010 using a random number generator. Good luck and thanks for entering!

To schedule Nicole Rouse for book signings or book club meetings, please contact CMB Virtual Assistants at cmbvirtual@gmail.com.

CMB Virtual Assistants is a virtual office support company dedicated to providing incomparable professional administrative and author services while partnering with clients to help sustain their competitive edge and build their business and/or brand.